Welcome to the continuing series comparing the Revised English Bible (REB) with the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) for the first reading (usually from the Old Testament) at each Sunday Mass. This series complements the comparisons earlier in 2018, which focused on the New Testament letters. I’m interested in exploring whether the REB’s translation style differs between the Old and New Testaments.
Sunday, January 20th, 2019 — Second Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C)
First Reading: Isaiah 62:1-5
NABRE:
For Zion’s sake I will not be silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still,
Until her vindication shines forth like the dawn
and her salvation like a burning torch.
Nations shall behold your vindication,
and all kings your glory;
You shall be called by a new name
bestowed by the mouth of the Lord.
You shall be a glorious crown in the hand of the Lord,
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
No more shall you be called “Forsaken,”
nor your land called “Desolate,”
But you shall be called “My Delight is in her,”
and your land “Espoused.”
For the Lord delights in you,
and your land shall be espoused.
For as a young man marries a virgin,
your Builder shall marry you;
And as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride
so shall your God rejoice in you.
REB:
For Zion’s sake I shall not keep silent,
for Jerusalem’s sake I shall not be quiet,
until her victory shines forth like the sunrise,
her deliverance like a blazing torch,
and the nations see your victory
and all the kings your glory.
Then you will be called by a new name
which the LORD himself will announce;
you will be a glorious crown in the LORD’s hand,
a royal diadem held by your God.
No more will you be called Forsaken,
no more will your land be called Desolate,
but you will be named Hephzibah
and your land Beulah;
for the LORD will take delight in you
and to him your land will be linked in wedlock.
As a young man weds a maiden,
so will you be wedded to him who rebuilds you,
and as a bridegroom rejoices over the bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.
The REB includes the following textual note to explain the names: Hephzibah: that is My delight is in her. Beulah: that is Wedded.